Streamer only


I am not tech savvy and I have a DAC already in my integrated amp.I just wanted to try streaming. I would like to use Qobuz and need to purchase a streamer. I don’t need the dac included within the unit. I hate to pay a large amount for a unit that has a high quality DAC included. Are there any high quality streamers where I am not paying for the higher quality DAC included in the unit? My system is a Levinson 585 and Acendo C8 R speakers. 

Ag insider logo xs@2xpal

@gkelly.  +2.  Someone running Levinson electronics should buy something better grade.  Lumin, Innuous or comparable or you will be upgrading soon.

@hilde45 Oops, I misread the $1000. LOL Do you remember the character from the old days of SNL, Roseanne Roseanadanna.  " I thought you said xxxx, never mind"

@pal If you have an apple iPAD or iPhone you can go USB into the 585 and use the native Qobuz app to test out streaming to see if you like it before letting the peoples here talk you into spending a wad of cash just because you got a nice integrated.  Then when you want crank the nob on SQ go for the suggestion provided.  

Orchard audio has an excellent Streamer for $1,200 and it also has an excellent internal DAC  I would be surprised if the Orchard audio DAC didn't out perform the DAC you have i your intergrated amplifier  Orchard Audio has a 30 day trial period Also you could call Leo (owner) at Orchard Audio 

If you are just starting out with streaming, and want to get in under $1,000 here are some decent choices;

Bluesound Node - Make sure it is the 3rd generation "Node 130" or Node X, as the older Node 2 and 2i do not have USB output.....they have the connector, but USB is not activated. Several have mentioned a linear power supply, and I agree. I currently still use a Node 130 with LHY linear power supply, and a Denarips Iris DDC to great results. A Node 130 can be found used for under $400, and the LHY LPS would add $279. The Node software is some of the best available, and you can probably sell the Node 130/LHY LPS for not much less than you bought it for

Eversolo DMP-A6 is well thought of, and can be upgraded with an LHY LPS if you wish to extract more sound quality later.....about $850 new, and really hard to find used. I'd read some reviews there.

You've already got some other excellent recommendations. I will eventually upgrade my Node 130/LHY LPS/Iris DDC at some point.....but I find no need to do so immediately, I really do like this combo